Top 10 Kitchen Remodeling Ideas
Kitchen remodelling is a great way to add value to your home and one of the first things buyers will look for when you’re ready to sell. Working on a kitchen can be an expensive undertaking, however, so you want to be sure you’re integrating features that will give you the best return on your investment.
Here are some creeetive ideas that will stand the test of time and add both function and beauty to the heart of your home.
1. Rethink Your Footprint
Many older kitchen designs tried to maximize cupboard and counter space by creating a series of “work areas”. That may have increased efficiency but did nothing to promote clean lines and unbroken surfaces. Think about how regrouping appliances and replacing cupboards with open shelving could create a more inviting and barrier-free space.
2. Add Color to Your Cabinetry
For many years, kitchen cabinets were either white or stained in tones of mahogany, cherry or pine. Bold colors may be risky when it comes to resale, but soft grays and muted pastels add a universally pleasing warmth to almost any kitchen.
3. Backsplashes: Go for Pattern over Color
We’ve all seen enough dusky-rose and mint-green kitchen tiles to know that accent colors come and go. Neutral-toned backsplashes that are laid in a herringbone, diamond or similar pattern will add depth without the need for a solid color that may quickly go out of style.
4. Integrate a Home Bar
Wet bars went out of fashion in the 1970s, but most people spent the next thirty years or so wondering where to put their stem ware. If you move appliances and find yourself with an opening where the fridge or stove used to be, consider turning it into a compact bar where you can keep your glasses, wine bottles and martini shaker.
5. Put Your Money into Your Countertops
Countertops need to withstand a lot of abuse and are the first components to show wear and tear in an older kitchen. Unless you’re selling immediately, choose resilient granite countertops that won’t lose their good looks over time. Add a section of stainless steel if you’re a gourmet chef – or aspire to be one.
6. Add a Seating Area
For centuries, guests have congregated in the kitchen as the chef prepares dinner so you might as well provide your audience with a place to sit (and stay out of the way). That could mean building a comfortable bench under a window, designing a kitchen island that’s wide enough to accommodate stools, or creating a cozy nook in one corner of the room.
7. Build an Appliance Garage
The amount of counterspace you have in your kitchen shrinks in direct proportion with the number of kitchen appliances you receive every Christmas. Either incorporate a deep cupboard that opens at counter-level to hold your various toys or build a double pantry that has an entire shelving unit devoted to keeping your small appliances out of sight.
8. Use Sliding Doors
Barn doors are terrific for pantries because they’re easy to access when you’ve got your hands full and don’t clutter up the kitchen when they’re left open. You can slide them open with your foot and they add a touch of casual chic.
9. Integrate Glass Facings
The more you open up your cupboards, the bigger your kitchen will look and feel. If you don’t want completely open shelves, use glass fronted cupboards to evoke a more spacious feel. If you have windows in your kitchen, try to leave them uncovered by using smoked or decorative glazing for privacy rather than blinds or curtains. The more natural light the better.
10. Turn Your Island into a Hub
Kitchen islands are great for providing an extra worksurface, but they can take up a lot of room. If space is at a premium, tuck the dishwasher, microwave, wine cooler and other medium-sized appliances into the base. You won’t be able to use it for seating but creating a central cluster will free up space for extra shelves or cupboards and keep your counters free of bulky electronics.
At Starwood Renovation, we’ve remodelled a lot of kitchens and have an excellent grasp of the features that will add beauty and value to your home. Talk to us about what you’d like to achieve with your remodelling, and we’ll give you ideas to turn a tired kitchen into a stunning and functional showpiece.
